Lebanese Government Resigns

Things are happening so fast in the Middle East that it’s hard to stay on top of events. This morning the government of Lebanon, which has generally been regarded as pro-Syria, resigned. Outgoing Prime Minister Omar Karami said:

I am keen that the government will not be a hurdle in front of those who want the good for this country. I declare the resignation of the government that I had the honor to head. May God preserve Lebanon.

Events in Lebanon are the direct result of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. More broadly, like much of what is now going on in that region, they are positive fallout from events in Iraq. It seems likely now–I’m tempted to say inevitable–that Syria will be forced out of Lebanon, with consequences for the region that can only be good. Especially since all indications point to a resurgence in Lebanese nationalism, which, one hopes, will temper if not supplant the violent sectarian conflict that plunged Lebanon into civil years some years ago.
It seems that Middle Easterners may not be so different from everyone else after all: when they see an opportunity to live normal lives, they seize it. Next stop, Iran?